Abstract

Epichlorohydrin as Crosslinking Agent for Synthesis of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium (NA-CMC) as Pharmaceutical Excipient from Water Hyacinth (Eichorrnia Crassipes L.)

Author(s): Aliya Nur Hasanah, Ingghea Elyani, Sriwidodo, Muchtaridi, Ahmad Muhtadi and Ida Musfiroh

Water hyacinth is a plant, which contain high cellulose concentration that potential to be used as raw material for carboxymethylcellulose sodium. This study was conducted to observed the influence of crosslinker epichlorohydrin to the value of water holding capacity (WHC) and oil holding capacity (OHC) of carboxymethyl cellulose sodium synthesized from water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solm.). Research conducted through α-cellulose isolation, synthesis of Na-CMC, crosslinking Na-CMC, and characterization. The results showed α-cellulose yield of 26.334% and Na-CMC crosslink 150%. Physical quality evaluation of Na-CMC synthesized results and Na-CMC crosslink shows the most effective crosslink is in comparison 1:10. The value of WHC and OHC from Na-CMC, non crosslink Na-CMC and crosslink Na-CMC consecutively are 4.24 g/g and 4.39 g/g, 4.415 g/g and 3.03 g/g, 5.68 g/g and 2.87 g/g. Based on the study, epichlorohydrin can be used as a crosslinker in synthesis of Na-CMC from cellulose of water hyacinth for pharmaceutical application.